This Oilers player is statistically the worst in the league

PUBLICATION

Liam McCormick
December 20, 2023 (3:43 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Going into this season, most Oilers fans and analysts knew that the goaltending situation was far too shaky for a team that should compete for the Stanley Cup. The team then cratered to a 2-9-1 record to start the season, fired the head coach, and sent Jack Campbell to the minors - all of which could be reasonably explained by simply having horrible goaltending.

Stuart Skinner has started most games for the Oilers now in Campbell's absence, and was even able to backstop them to seven straight wins at one point, but Skinner has still had moments where he absolutely struggles. According to MoneyPuck, Skinner actually ranks dead last among NHL goalies for a critical advanced stat, Goals Saved Above Expected.

It's extremely concerning then, that even with their best goaltending option in the net, the Oilers still rank last in the league in that category. It's absolutely shameful that a team of their caliber, especially with Connor McDavid, has been given this quality of goaltending from the front office. Of course, they did try to make a big splash on a goaltender in free agency, but he's now being pulled in AHL games with 4 years left on his contract.

The focus is solely on Ken Holland and the Oilers front office to acquire a quality starting goalie, and to do so before the team falls too far out of a playoff spot. With many teams around the league signing veteran journeyman goalies like Michael Hutchinson and Aaron Dell, the Oilers have sat on their hands. Hopefully, they just don't see the merit in taking a flyer on a journeyman goalie, and instead are gearing up for a blockbuster trade.